• Added: 12th of October 2008
• Area: Kings Cross
• Category: Stations and Transport

London NW1 2QL

RR123 said
Fresh and new
For a station this is not your typical experience. Recently refurbished and now the terminus for the Eurostar this station is an experience in itself. It has lots of designer shops, a champagne bar and a glorious glass roof that just lifts the station well beyond any of its 'rivals'.

Some of the domestic lines from the Midlands run to this station as well and it a far more pleasant destination than most of the London mainline stations.

Even if you have no need to travel from here it is worth a look to see what is, in itself, quite a work of art bringing both the old and the new together.

• Added: 12th of October 2008
• Area: Blackfriars
• Category: Arts and Culture

London SE1 9TG
020 7887 8008

RR123 said
Modern art at its best
Modern Art isn't necessarily my thing, but whatever your taste you can probably find something to suit here. Art that challenges, confuses, intrigues or repulses you can all be found here.

This gallery is often in the news in part due to the regularly changing exhibition in the Turbine Hall. Often these are interactive in some way whether based purely on visual art or sound or interacting through touch. If nothing else, the exhibits are likely to be a conversation starter.

If you still can't anything to suit then its setting on the Thames at the south end of the Millennium Bridge and where you can look across to St Paul's on the north side should itself be a draw.

• Added: 12th of October 2008
• Area: Charing Cross
• Category: Arts and Culture

London WC2N 5DN
020 7839 3321

RR123 said
A world of art
The National Gallery brings together art from around the world and you can walk through the centuries soaking it in. If you're not an art expert or would just liek to learn a bit more, you can get an audio guide to take round with you (for which a fee applies) and that can really help to bring the pictures to life.

Whilst the majority of the gallery is free, they do also have paying exhibitions. You can often get into these for half price on a Wednesday night though, so it is worth checking.

There is also a nice cafe at the gallery where you can get soup sandwiches or tea and cakes. Very pleasant.

• Added: 10th of October 2008
• Area: Kensington
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

London W2 3XA

RR123 said
A green oasis in London
Hyde Park is one of those places that is such a part of London that local or visitor you really should go there. It's great for picnics, boating on the Serpentine, a pleasant stroll or even listening to a whole range of views at Speakers Corner.

It is a huge park and whilst it does get very busy on sunny days, there are far quieter spots if you want a bit more peace and quiet. It also has cafes and toilets and is easily accessible by public transport - Hyde Park Corner and Lancaster Gate being two of the easiest stations to get there from.

Right in the heart of London, it's a real must for anyone.

• Added: 10th of October 2008
• Area: South Kensington
• Category: Arts and Culture

London SW7 2RL
020 7942 5000

RR123 said
A great museum
I recently visited the Natural History Museum with my three year old nephew and we both loved it. My nephew thought the dinosaur exhibition was great, if a bit scary at times, and loved looking at all the different animals.

The museum has moved on a long way form the days when it used to obtain animals and have them stuffed, although it does not shy away from admitting that it did used to do that - the animals are still there for people to see. But, as would be expected, it has moved forward a long way and now has a far more ethical approach in documenting the natural world.

I t can get incredibly busy so unless you need to go there during school holidays or at peak times at weekends, these are probably best avoided. They could also do with dusting the blue whale!

• Added: 10th of October 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Restaurants

London W1U 4AU
020 7935 2333

RR123 said
Fun place to eat
Last time I ate at the Marylebone Giraffe restaurant I did wonder quite how they managed to employ quite so many exceedingly lively and happy waiters. It did mean that nothing was too much trouble and they were very polite and helpful, so I guess that isn't something to complain about!

The food was tasty and we went there for dinner before 7pm and so got their Giraffe time menu, which is good value for money. It is quite limited though, so you wouldn't want to go there for that menu to often if you are looking for variety. The full menu is far more extensive and has a decent mix of dishes.

A pleasant place to eat, but it can get expensive if you don't keep an eye on the prices.

• Added: 10th of October 2008
• Area: Belgravia
• Category: Restaurants

London SW1E 5JE
020 7828 0561

RR123 said
Not one of their better restaurants
I recently visited Wagamama's Victoria restaurant. Generally you know what to expect and whilst it is not food that is going to change the world it is tasty, varied and reasonably priced. It is canteen style so you are often sat right next to other people but as long as you can cope with that, it's fine.


I have to say that I was not impressed with the Victoria restaurant though. I went with a friend and, as normal, the waiters explained that the food comes when it is cooked - so you might not get it at the same time as other people in your group. As long as you know that, normally it's fine. Except I had to eat my food in the end or else it would have been stone cold, as the kitchen has seemingly forgotten to cook my friend's food. I was eating my last few mouthfuls as my friend's food arrived. The waiting staff were very apologetic but it didn't really make for a relaxed evening with one person hungrily looking on, as the other ate.

I also found that the waiter's seemed to come into contact with the customer's quite a lot. So several times when they were serving the people next to me, the waiter would be standing right behind me and would knock into me. I just generally foudn them to be inattentive to detail.

I should add that it is this particular branch that I was unimpressed with. Generally, the staff are much better and I have never had to wait so long for food before. If you're looking for a decent and reasonably priced feed then do try Wagamamas, I wouldn't advise going to this particular one though.

One final tip - if you sign up as a member on their website you can often get discounts. It varies by location but often there are two main courses for the price of one or a free dessert or starter. It's always worth a check if you think you might be going there.

• Added: 2nd of October 2008
• Area: Bankside
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 3DD
020 7407 2985

RR123 said
A dying tradition
If for no other reason, you should visit this pie shop because it is a part of history. It has been in business for over 100 years and has seats and decor to suit.

It's a pie and mash shop and serves big portions even if you only got for one pie and mash. Personally I would avoid the liquor (which is a kind of parsley gravy rather than alcohol), but if you want a more authentic experience then give it a go.

The only disappointment was that they had run out of vegetarian pies and the friend I was with was a vegetarian so she looked on as I ate, so that wasn't ideal. Worth a visit though.

• Added: 2nd of October 2008
• Area: Marylebone
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London W1H 4LJ
020 7723 4371

RR123 said
A royal influence
This is a nice but very busy London pub. You probably have to have at least a mild liking for Royalty given that I have never seen so many commemorative plates marking Royal events from throughout the years - they are even on the ceiling. Quite amusing and a talking piece if you run out of conversation. They also serve Thai food if you get a bit peckish.

If you go along on an evening when the Handlebar Club is in residence you get to see a whole range of weird and wonderful moustaches. When I was there recently we even got free moustaches to wear, which all added to the fun atmosphere. Never before have I been to a pub where a total stranger came up to me and shook my hand as I left to thank me for being there. Not your typical pub!

• Added: 2nd of October 2008
• Area: Oxford Circus
• Category: Restaurants

London W1W 8AQ
020 7580 4644

RR123 said
Could have been better
This restaurant is ok and the food is nice enough, but the last time I was there the service was appalling. I have been to this particular location a couple of times and most recently we sat there waiting to be served for so long that in the end the lady laying out the tables took pity on us and took our order. Very frustrating.

If you want a reasonable pizza and in a really central location just off Regent’s Street then this place is fine but nothing to rave about. I don’t think I would choose to go back any time soon.